Nurse Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning Friend for Insurance Money

HIGHLAND, Utah — A registered nurse was arrested Thursday on charges of aggravated murder after she allegedly poisoned her friend in a scheme to collect on a life insurance policy, police said.

Meggan Randall Sundwall, 47, faces accusations of killing 38-year-old Kacee Lyn Terry, who died on Aug. 15, 2024, following an overdose of insulin and the sedative promethazine, according to the Utah medical examiner. Authorities revealed that Terry was not diabetic as her blood sugar level reached critically low levels at the time of her death.

According to arrest records, police received a 911 call from Terry’s uncle, who discovered her in her bedroom unresponsive and struggling to breathe. Upon arrival, first responders noted that Sundwall, who was present at the scene, claimed that Terry had a ‘do not resuscitate’ (DNR) order. However, officials reported that no such order could be located.

The investigation revealed that Sundwall had allegedly spent years convincing Terry that she was suffering from terminal cancer, despite the fact that an autopsy later confirmed that Terry had no such illness.

<p“This was a calculated plan that involved significant manipulation and deceit,” said a police spokesperson. “We have evidence of numerous discussions in which Sundwall expressed the desire to benefit financially from Terry’s death.”

Court documents indicate that Sundwall was burdened with financial issues, referencing a rumored $1.5 million life insurance policy on Terry to which Sundwall believed she was the beneficiary. In the hours leading up to the emergency call, Sundwall sent a message to Terry suggesting she take promethazine to ensure she would be asleep when the ‘incident’ occurred.

The affidavit detailing the investigation noted more than 28,000 text messages exchanged between Sundwall and Terry beginning in December 2019. The texts included suggestions of ways to help Terry die, as well as Sundwall’s repeated assertions that money problems could be alleviated through Terry’s death.

“Detectives were told by Kacee’s family and friends that Meggan had been trying to kill Kacee with insulin for years,” investigators said. The text messages corroborated this claim, revealing Sundwall’s increasing desperation tied to her financial struggles.

Following Terry’s collapse, medical personnel at the hospital reported her blood sugar measured at an alarmingly low level of 14. Medical experts indicated that such a drop could only occur as the result of exogenous insulin, further implicating Sundwall in the alleged homicide.

“Our review of the evidence suggests intentional malice,” the police report stated. “This was not an accident or negligence; it was a deliberate act aimed at benefiting from a life insurance payout.”

As of now, Sundwall remains in custody at the Utah County Jail, with bail denied during her initial court appearance. Officials have yet to determine if she has engaged legal representation.

“Kacee was a kind soul who focused on helping others,” said a family member. “It’s tragic that someone she trusted would turn against her.”

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities encouraging anyone with further information to come forward.